Newly opened public spaces along the embankment means we can now fully enjoy our unique stretch of river – and do our bit to keep it clean.
The Thames is London’s liquid landmark. It’s seen kings crowned, bridges bombed, and boat parties that went on far too late. But here in Vauxhall, we don’t shout enough about our stretch of the river.
That changes this September, thanks to the Thames Festival (1–30 Sept) and the Clean Thames Challenge, a month-long call to action to keep the capital’s river looking and feeling its best.
From riverside litter picks to “plogging” (aye, you heard right, jogging while collecting rubbish), the challenge is all about giving the Thames some love – whether you join an event or simply keep your eyes peeled for stray cans and bottles on your evening walk, run or jog.
And while the Thames takes centre stage, it’s worth remembering that Vauxhall was once shaped by another waterway: the River Effra.
One of London’s famous ‘lost rivers,’ the Effra used to flow into the Thames right by here, giving its name to new places like Effra Quay and the Isle of Effra. Today it runs underground, but the renewed focus on London’s hidden rivers makes Vauxhall’s riverside revival feel all the more connected to the city’s watery past.
A Riverfront That’s Ours
Here’s the bit we’re most excited about: for the first time in generations, you can now walk the entire stretch of the Albert Embankment right by the river. No traffic jams, no barriers, no cutting inland – just a proper riverside walk from Vauxhall Bridge and beyond, with the water just a few steps away.
That’s pretty unique for London, where so much of the Thames is hidden behind developments or cut off from the public. In Vauxhall, we’ve got the views, the space, and the freedom to stroll or roll right along the river.
And if you’ve noticed things looking fresher down there, that’s because huge behind-the-scenes work has gone into cleaning up this part of the Thames:
- A 50m-deep shaft and 18m interception chamber now intercept sewage that used to spill into the river.
- A new tunnel connects to London’s “super sewer”, keeping the Thames flowing cleaner.
- Intertidal terraces on both sides of Vauxhall Bridge bring wildlife right up to the city’s edge.
- And best of all, two brand-new public spaces are now open for locals, officially launched in May by MP Florence Eshalomi.
Why It Matters
The Thames is more than a backdrop – it’s part of everyday Vauxhall life. Cleaner water, more public spaces, and an accessible embankment mean we can finally enjoy our river like never before.
So this September, take a stroll along the new Albert Embankment, snap the skyline, and maybe even join the Clean Thames Challenge while you’re at it. Because if anywhere deserves to shout about its riverfront, it’s Vauxhall.
Find out how to get involved here: Clean Thames Challenge